NON-FREE GASTROCNEMIUS MUSCLE FLAP APPLIED FOR LOW EXTREMITIES SURFACE DEFECT PLASTY

Abstract

Background: We analyzed results in cases with surface defects covered with non-free vascularized gastrocnemius muscle flaps. We observed patients with various traumatological and orthopedic pathologies. Materials and Methods: in the present article we analyzed treatment results of 8 patients with soft tissue defects in the area of knee joints and upper third of shin. In all these cases we applied non-free vascularized muscle flaps taken from gastrocnemius muscle and simultaneous autodermoplasty. We described various techniques performed in patients with combined traumas. Conclusions: Transposition of non- free vascularized flaps from gastrocnemius muscle in patients with traumatological and orthopedic pathologies allows to achieve restoration of surface tissues in the area of knee joints and shin when defects occur after traumas and postoperative purulent complications.

Keywords

• defect
• knee joint
• shin upper third
• muscular flap